B.S.N. (RN Students)
Major requirements
Required semester hours: RNs must take at least 30 credits at North Park, 24 of which are nursing course credits.
Course requirements
Supporting courses for the major (may also be met through transfer credits)
GS 2080 or a composition course, BIOL 2910, BIOL 2930, CHEM 1021, STAT 1490; PSYC 1000, 2700; SOC 1910. Prerequisites in Nursing may also count toward the fulfillment of Core Curriculum requirements.
Required core courses
NURS 3000 (or an approved upper-level pathophysiology course), NURS 3035, NURS 3210, NURS 3540, NURS 4240, NURS 4515, NURS 4535, NURS 4590 and 3 sh of elective coursework.
NURS 3000 Pathophysiology: RN (2 sh)
Course is designed for practicing RNs and will build on content from initial nursing education program, including anatomy and physiology courses that are foundational in exploring human dysfunction. Major pathophysiology concepts are explored using a physiological systems approach. Theories relating etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations are used to study common disease processes.
NURS 3210 Concepts of Professional Nursing: RN (4 sh)
A bridge course designed for Registered Nurses. Selected units may be taught on-line. Discusses ways in which nursing practice, personal experience, and liberal arts education interface with nursing professionalism. Introduces theories of adult learning styles, critical thinking, group dynamics, and personal/professional development. Applies theoretical principles to professional writing and presentations. Examines current legal issues, multiculturalism, and healthcare policy. Integrates personal values, Christian perspective, and caring in nursing. Explores students’ personal experiences in various healthcare settings.
NURS 3540 Ethics in Health Care (2 sh) GE
Issues and dilemmas in the health care system serve as a basis for examination of theories and principles of ethics. The spiritual domain is considered a valued context for decision-making.
NURS 3560 Healthcare Informatics (3 sh)
This course prepares healthcare professionals to successfully apply technology to manage healthcare challenges and opportunities. It emphasizes the vital requirement of healthcare professionals to effectively use technology tools that will engage healthcare consumers as partners in care. A theoretical foundation for the field of informatics is introduced and applied. The course is designed for students in nursing or health science programs of study. It is built upon and connected to the University urban, intercultural, and Christian distinctives.
NURS 4240 The Research Process in Professional Nursing (2 sh)
Introduces elements of the research process with emphasis on becoming a consumer of research. Focus is on relevance of research findings to evidenced-based quality health care. Considers ethical issues in research.
NURS 4515 Community Health for Registered Nurses (3 sh)
Designed for registered nurses, the course synthesizes knowledge of the science and practice of community/public health nursing, and is built upon and connected to the University urban, intercultural and Christian distinctives. Focuses on patterns that influence wellness and potential barriers that place populations and communities at risk for major health problems. Includes the health care delivery system and its effects (especially on underserved consumers), chronic and communicable conditions, violence, community empowerment, environmental health, global health issues, and disaster prevention and response. Prerequisite: NURS 4240.
NURS 4535 Nursing Leadership: RN (3 sh)
Designed for registered nurses the course is built upon and connected to the University urban, intercultural and Christian distinctives. Focuses on practice at the microsystem level within an everchanging healthcare system. Communication/ collaboration with the interprofessional team, coordination of care, continuous quality improvement, and principles and models of leadership will be considered. Prerequisite: NURS 4240.
NURS 4590 RN to BSN Capstone (3 sh)
This is a culminating course designed for the RN-BSN student to provide direct experience in a microsystem in a health care practice setting. Students, in collaboration with nursing faculty and practicum liaison, will plan and implement an evidence- based quality improvement project consistent with the professional leadership role. Prerequisite: NURS 4240, NURS 4535.
NURS 4870 RN to MSN Pathway (2 sh)
Designed for registered nurses the course is built upon and connected to the University urban, intercultural and Christian distinctives. Content areas include: 1) Patterns that influence wellness and potential barriers that place populations and communities at risk for major health problems, 2) Impact of healthcare policy and the role nurses can take in affecting change, and 3) Issues of multidisciplinary collaboration and coordination in healthcare. Prerequisite: NURS 3210